1997 4x4 problems, transfer case? Somthing else?
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
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1997 4x4 problems, transfer case? Somthing else?
Hey forum, Hopefully im doin this right and in the right location. I have a 97 F-150 4x4 with a 4.6 an 5speed, I was wondering if some one could give me an Idea what could be wrong with my 4x4. I shift the transfer case into 4 high or low an its not engaging. Is there any kind of actuators on a 97, I really don't think its in the transfer case. When i shift it into 4wd it feels like its going in its just not engaging at the wheels. I would appreciate any help.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 269
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From: Hudson, NC
It could be shifting in the case but the transfer motor isn't transferring the shaft to the wheel hubs.
I typed 97 F-150 4x4 transfer case problems into Google search, several others have similar issues to yours and that was the issue for many of them. (www.fordf150.net)
I also have a buddy with a 95 Ranger 4x4 who would have to shift into 4 WD and then manually lock the hubs. Do you have locking hubs or is it all contained?
I typed 97 F-150 4x4 transfer case problems into Google search, several others have similar issues to yours and that was the issue for many of them. (www.fordf150.net)
I also have a buddy with a 95 Ranger 4x4 who would have to shift into 4 WD and then manually lock the hubs. Do you have locking hubs or is it all contained?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 322
Likes: 34
sounds like you have a manual shift transfer case, so I am going to assume you do.
in this case most likely cause is either a broken shift fork inside the front axle, or
the shaft to said shift fork is seized. raise the front of the truck, on the back of the
front axle on pass. side there is a plastic cover, behind that cover is a vacuum
controlled shift actuator. unplug the vacuum hoses from it and with the engine
running have someone shift it in and out of 4x4, you should feel some sort of
vacuum on the hoses. On one when going into 4x4 and the other when going
into 2wd. if you do that is good. If you dont you either have a vacuum leak or
the switch/valve mounted by the linkage on the transfer case is bad. So
assuming you have vacuum at the hoses, hook them back up and have someone
shift the transfer case again with engine running and watch the rod on that
actuator. Does it move in and out? if not it could be the actuator is failed or the
before mentioned shaft is stuck. if it does move the shift fork is broken inside
the axle which is the most common on these. best way to replace is to remove
the axle, stand it up on the left side flange and remove the 4 bolts holding the
tube on. make sure you note which way the fork is in there. it's not hard, but it
will be if you've never done it before.
in this case most likely cause is either a broken shift fork inside the front axle, or
the shaft to said shift fork is seized. raise the front of the truck, on the back of the
front axle on pass. side there is a plastic cover, behind that cover is a vacuum
controlled shift actuator. unplug the vacuum hoses from it and with the engine
running have someone shift it in and out of 4x4, you should feel some sort of
vacuum on the hoses. On one when going into 4x4 and the other when going
into 2wd. if you do that is good. If you dont you either have a vacuum leak or
the switch/valve mounted by the linkage on the transfer case is bad. So
assuming you have vacuum at the hoses, hook them back up and have someone
shift the transfer case again with engine running and watch the rod on that
actuator. Does it move in and out? if not it could be the actuator is failed or the
before mentioned shaft is stuck. if it does move the shift fork is broken inside
the axle which is the most common on these. best way to replace is to remove
the axle, stand it up on the left side flange and remove the 4 bolts holding the
tube on. make sure you note which way the fork is in there. it's not hard, but it
will be if you've never done it before.